First Miss Africa Idaho Pageant Held at CSI

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KMVT News

The first Miss Africa Idaho pageant was held Saturday at the CSI Fine Arts theater.

CSI Diversity Council Faculty Advisor Perri Gardner explains, “we thought it would be an excellent way to highlight members of our community who don’t get that much spotlight.”

A chance for Twin Falls to be a part of history, by bringing the first ever Miss Africa Idaho pageant to Twin Falls.

Assistant pageant director Winnie Christensen explains, "there's a lot of culture in Twin Falls and it’s about time we educated people on the different cultures."

Four different women competed for the title, but judges made it clear this is not your average pageant.Christensen explains, “it is not easy: you have to be between the ages of 18 and 30, be in good standing with your community, paperwork has to be in order because you have to travel internationally: it’s not just a beauty pageant, it’s a cultural pageant.”The pageant included a traditional outfit presentation, performance by African drummers, and an evening gown parade.When it was all said and done, one lady, Davine Hull, came home the winner.But those involved in the pageant say it is the community who won.

One of the judges Liyah Babayan explains, “it’s very exciting, it’s definitely something I think this community and the state can cherish, can nurture and it celebrates and promotes the diversity that's taking place in this area.”

The winner, Davina Hull, is Miss Eritrea.The Pocatello resident's long term–goal is to become a professor at the university level, but before that she will now be competing for Miss Africa USA.